Breaking County commissioners approve $2.4M road improvement package for rural routes Walnut Springs High Eagles advance to regional semifinals after 34–17 victory Local water authority issues advisory for southwest district residents Town Council to vote Tuesday on proposed mixed-use development on Mill Street FY2026–27 Budget Hearings begin March 15 — Mayor Whitaker urges public participation New recycling drop-off hours at River Road Public Works Depot effective April 1 Centennial Diner celebrates 50 years of service this Saturday with free pie for all County commissioners approve $2.4M road improvement package for rural routes Walnut Springs High Eagles advance to regional semifinals after 34–17 victory Local water authority issues advisory for southwest district residents Town Council to vote Tuesday on proposed mixed-use development on Mill Street FY2026–27 Budget Hearings begin March 15 — Mayor Whitaker urges public participation New recycling drop-off hours at River Road Public Works Depot effective April 1 Centennial Diner celebrates 50 years of service this Saturday with free pie for all
Tuesday, March 3, 2026  |  Walnut Springs, Virginia Subscribe  ·  e-Edition  ·  Archives Vol. CXVI, No. 9  ·  Est. 1911
Morning Edition  ·  Updated 6:42 a.m. 🌤 64°F in Walnut Springs  ·  Partly cloudy, wind SW at 8 mph Print edition available at local retailers
Local News · Top Story

Town Council Weighs Future of Historic Mill Street Corridor as Developers Seek Rezoning Approval

A contentious proposal to convert the last block of century-old storefronts into a mixed-use commercial complex has divided Walnut Springs residents, with preservationists and business advocates facing off ahead of Tuesday's pivotal vote.

🏛
Mill Street Historic District — Photo by Staff
By Margaret Holloway, Staff Reporter March 3, 2026 8 min read

The Walnut Springs Town Council will convene Tuesday evening to consider a rezoning request that could reshape the historic heart of downtown. The Calloway Group, a regional developer, is seeking approval to demolish three late-Victorian storefronts on the 400 block of Mill Street and replace them with a four-story mixed-use building containing retail space, apartments, and a parking structure.

Opponents, led by the Walnut Springs Heritage Society, argue the buildings — constructed between 1897 and 1908 — represent irreplaceable architectural character. Supporters counter that increased housing density and commercial tax revenue are critical for the town's fiscal health.

Continue Reading →
Today's Edition
🏈
Sports

Eagles Soar Into Regional Semifinals With Dominant Win

Walnut Springs High's defense held firm in a 34–17 victory Friday night, sending the team to its first regional semifinal since 2019.

By Tom Pruitt  ·  Yesterday
💧
Public Safety

Water Authority Issues Advisory for Southwest District Homes

Residents in the Creekside and Elmwood subdivisions are asked to boil tap water following a routine infrastructure inspection that revealed a pressure anomaly.

By Staff Report  ·  Today
🌾
Agriculture

Drought Conditions Ease Slightly, But Ranchers Remain Cautious

February rainfall brought modest relief to parched pastureland, but county extension agents warn that aquifer levels remain well below historical averages.

By Linda Cates  ·  March 2
🎓
Education

School Board Approves New Vocational Curriculum for Fall 2026

Welding, HVAC, and healthcare certifications will be available to juniors and seniors under the expanded program.

🏥
Health

Rural Clinic to Expand Mental Health Services After Grant Award

A $180,000 state grant will fund two additional counselors at the Walnut Springs Community Health Center starting in April.

🏗
Infrastructure

County Road 412 Repairs to Begin April 14, Detours Planned

Motorists should expect delays of up to 20 minutes during the 10-week resurfacing project on the highway's eastern stretch.

📣
Community

Centennial Diner Marks 50 Years With Pie, Memories, and a Packed Room

Founded by Dottie and Earl Hargrove in 1976, the beloved eatery will celebrate its golden anniversary this Saturday with free pie for all.

🏛
Town Government

Town Council Opens FY2026–27 Budget Hearings March 15 — Public Input Sought

Mayor Samuel Whitaker is inviting all residents to weigh in at a series of public sessions in Council Chambers as the town shapes next year's spending plan.

♻️
Public Works

Expanded Recycling Drop-Off Hours Effective April 1 at River Road Depot

Walnut Springs Public Works has extended its recycling schedule and now accepts cardboard, glass, metals, and plastics #1–7 during the new expanded hours.

Community Events
Mar7

Annual Rotary Club Pancake Breakfast

7:00 – 10:00 a.m.

Walnut Springs Community Center, Main Hall

Mar10

Town Council Regular Meeting

7:00 p.m.

Town Hall Council Chambers — Official Meeting

Mar12

Planning Commission Hearing

6:30 p.m.

Town Hall Room B — Open to the public

Mar12

Walnut Springs Public Library Spring Book Sale

9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

All proceeds support youth reading programs

Mar15

FY2026–27 Budget Hearing — Public Session #1

5:00 p.m. · Council Chambers

Mayor Whitaker urges all residents to attend and speak. Your input counts.

Mar15

4-H County Livestock Show Registration Deadline

Deadline: 5:00 p.m.

Campbell County Fairgrounds — online registration now open

Mar18

Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee

4:00 p.m.

Parks Dept. Conference Room — Official Meeting

Mar19

First Presbyterian Spring Concert Series

7:00 p.m.

Featuring the Walnut Springs Community Choir

Mar22

Walnut Springs Farmer's Market — Season Opener

8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Downtown Courthouse Square

Mar24

Town Council Regular Meeting

7:00 p.m.

Town Hall Council Chambers — Official Meeting

Official Town Meeting Public Input Session

View Full Events Calendar →

Obituaries
👤

Edna Mae Whitfield

August 14, 1934 — March 1, 2026

A lifelong Walnut Springs resident and retired schoolteacher of 34 years, Edna was beloved by three generations of students.

👤

Robert "Bobby" Dean Carver

November 2, 1951 — February 26, 2026

Bobby spent 30 years with the Walnut Springs Volunteer Fire Department and is remembered for his quiet courage and humor.

👤

Patricia Ann Guerrero

March 18, 1969 — February 28, 2026

Patricia was an accomplished quilter, active church member, and devoted mother of four. Services to be held Saturday at First Baptist.

All Obituaries →

Public Notices
Zoning Notice

Notice of Public Hearing — Case Z-2026-04

The Walnut Springs Planning & Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing on March 8 regarding the rezoning of 412–418 Mill Street from C-1 to MU-3.

Legal Notice

Estate of Harold W. Dunning — Creditor Notice

All persons having claims against the estate of Harold W. Dunning, deceased, are required to present such claims within four months of this publication.

Bid Solicitation

Campbell County Road Dept. Seeks Bids for CR-412 Resurfacing

Sealed bids will be accepted through March 21 at the County Judge's office. Project scope includes 4.3 miles of chip-seal resurfacing.

Water District

Boil Water Notice — Southwest District

The Walnut Springs Municipal Water Authority has issued a precautionary boil water notice effective March 3 for residents of the Creekside and Elmwood neighborhoods.

All Public Notices →